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Topic: Peter Henshaw aka HS93. RIP (Read 5585 times)

It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform you all that Peter passed away this morning. He had been in hospital since just before Christmas and his many ailments conspired together and beat him this time. His wife and long-time carer Jackie was by his side.

I met up with Peter on another forum about the chinese micromills that we had both bought. We collaborated on a CNC conversion - Peter produced beautifully accurate motor adapters and fixes for sloppy leadscrews while I hacked some electronics and software that helped him use the mill in spite of his disabilities. He tolerated my attempts at beating metal into shape, always encouraging, explaining, and feeding me ideas. We chatted just before he went into hospital for the last time. The beautiful workmanship on his Fireboats never ceased to amaze me.

Away from the oily rags, electronics and radio, my wife and I had got to know him and Jackie well, and met up when we were on holiday on the Peak District. We shall both miss him.

I don't know many more on this forum knew him personally, certainly some do. I make this announcement partly to forestall any awkward phone conversations, and also to offer to act as a mutual contact should that be needed. Feel free to PM me.

Rest in Peace, Peter, you deserved longer.

May the Fireboats where you have gone run like the wind and not suffer bent propshafts.

Chris, Very sorry to hear your sad news. i met Peter twice at the last 2 Model Engineering shows at Harrogate and enjoyed chatting to him, he was one one of the instigators of several of us meeting up where there was a bit of wheelchair room. Aussie Jim said last year we should have had a picture of us all, but nobody thought to. My thoughts are with his family.john.

I was lucky enough to meet him at his home a couple of years ago, I think not that long after he'd come back from a trip to Australia. Even though he was clearly in a world of physical trouble then, he nevertheless deserved longer.

RIP, and if there is a heaven, and a machine shop in that heaven, we'll know where to find you.

Logged

Cheers!Ade.--Location: Wallasey, Merseyside. A long way from anywhere.Or: Zhengzhou, China. An even longer way from anywhere...Skype: adev73

Now there's a coincidence; I rang Bogs only last night to ask if he had heard from Peter because I had not seen him on Skype for some time and I only had Peter's mobile number. And today we get the sad news.

I met Peter at Harrogate where I had a long conversation with him (no conversation with Peter was short) and have had quite a few interesting discussions with him on Skype since then. The last time we spoke was just before xmas when he was in hospital and in a bad way but, in his usual fashion, being matter of fact about it.

I would like to think that for Peter, this is a release from a long period of suffering. For the rest of us, it leaves a hole that used to be filled with a cheerful, intelligent, competent and brave man who added something to our lives.

Peter's funeral took place on Monday; I estimate about 40 - 50 people attended. Though a sad occasion, we had to smile when two pieces of music were played at the end which Peter had requested at some time. They were "Another one bites the dust" by Queen, and "Born to be wild" from the movie Easyrider! Talking to his friends, it seems Peter lived life to the full in his youth, with a special interest in racing souped up minis round the block near his home.

I have been asked about donations in his memory and Jackie has suggested NASS - the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society, who provide support for sufferers like Peter. You can donate in the checkout for their shop at http://www.nass.co.uk. You might have to add something to your basket so you can get to the checkout, then remove it and make your donation.